329532 Wed Sep 27 23:09:57 -0700 2006 11 18 Manhattan 0 1906876 What's the best Chinese in Chinatown? Wed Sep 27 23:09:57 -0700 2006 43416 jes13 1 1906933 Here are two recent threads with a lot of discussion of Chinatown restaurants. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/323879 http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/323879 But the best? My opinion changes day to day. I love Cantoon Garden and East Ocean (though my meal last week at the latter wasn't up to par, so who knows?). I dont think anyone will agree on best. Wed Sep 27 23:36:53 -0700 2006 1906876 11362 Brian S 2 1907481 Another vote for Cantoon Garden and East Ocean--but my last visit to Cantoon was subpar. Probably #1 cook's night off. Thu Sep 28 03:35:14 -0700 2006 1906933 10131 Chandavkl 3 1909251 I had 2 mediocre experiences also. On both occasions the fish dishes were muddy. Thu Sep 28 20:23:40 -0700 2006 1907481 13611 csw 4 1910024 I've found Cantoon Garden to be better than usual the past few visits. I went again tonight. The chef was there, patrolling the dining room, not strutting proudly like a celebrity chef, but with a look of astonishment -- all these people came to eat MY food, I must be asleep and dreaming, dont wake me. I ordered something from a wall poster in Chinese. I thought it would be something incredibly exotic and I got....sweet and sour fish. But it was superb. The fish,a big chunk of carp, bones and all, was brushed with a thin, very salty coating... so it was salt baked. It was wonderfully moist. On top was a mountain of pickled carrots and jicama (or something like jicama) And over it all was the sweet and sour sauce of my childhood, ketchup and all. I couldnt complain, that was what I ordered, even if I didnt know it. And it was really good despite the sauce. Fri Sep 29 02:13:35 -0700 2006 1909251 11362 Brian S 5 2037956 Brian - The weird and interconnected ways of the world - maybe Abrams and Lindelof of "Lost" have it right ... Earlier today I happened to reply to your recent query about my original years-old post re: my search for a good Northern Indian restaurant. Now I'm posting a pre-dining note thanking you for your suggestion of Cantoon Garden. Reading your posts has engendered some trust in you as a foody, so I'm a-gonna take up your suggestion and take my best friend and his husband there. I'll post a note on our experience/sense of the food for what it's worth. Certainly the board (can't remember if you commented on this) were NOT wrong about Mas: fantastic food, fantastic design, fantastic service. Tue Nov 21 04:13:55 -0800 2006 1910024 54492 Allisondbl 6 2037975 Oh I'm thrilled you trust me, a bit anxious too in case it doesn't go well! My current Chinatown favorite is Amazing 66. I just ate there again last night. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/340879 And if you haven't seen my guide to Chinatown post, have a look, it might help: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/342344 Tue Nov 21 04:20:37 -0800 2006 2037956 11362 Brian S 7 2037976 NOW you tell me this! Well, reservtions can be changed. I'll go read your post. Alley Tue Nov 21 04:21:19 -0800 2006 2037975 54492 Allisondbl 1 1907482 Its a debatable subject and there will never be a BEST one. I must say I agree with most of the restaurants suggested, however its what you feel most comfortable in. Some are barewalls with minimal/grungy decor serving great food, and others are slicker in decor catering to the westernized crowd with fantastic food albeit pricey. Nevertheless its all still the best. Thu Sep 28 03:35:50 -0700 2006 1906876 13611 csw 1 1909938 My favorite is still Cantoon Garden and Danny Ng both Cantonese. I'm giving East Ocean a try tomorrow. I've noticed that if I go weekdays the food may be different than on weekends at Cantoon. Fri Sep 29 01:21:07 -0700 2006 1906876 20765 designerboy01 2 1910572 different, as in better? it's on my list to try, so it would be good to know when it's preferable to go. Fri Sep 29 13:37:15 -0700 2006 1909938 11199 wleatherette 3 1910974 Different as in "not better". I think its better on weekends. The steamed eel in black bean sauce is pretty good. Also they got 2 lobsters for $19.99. You can get it with EFu noodles and XO sauce for $25. Fri Sep 29 16:19:17 -0700 2006 1910572 20765 designerboy01